The Diuris aequalis is a native terrestrial orchid. For much of the year dormant, in spring the orchid blossoms into a spectacular golden flower, found in grassy or heathy woodland, or forest. 

Pure gold petals distinguish the rare orchid from superficially similar related species. 

In an effort to save the endangered species, the Office of Environment and Heritage is asking landholders to search for the orchid through the ‘Saving our Species’ program.

“We try to raise awareness of the importance and the beauty of these threatened species,” Project Officer Anna Murphy said.

“We’re asking people to search their bit of bushland on their properties, if they have some, or some local bushland reserves, we’re asking people to upload a photo if they do find it, and send it to us, and once we have that information, then we’ll be able to protect those populations.”

The orchid is found throughout the Southern Tablelands of NSW, from  Queanbeyan, to Braidwood, and up throughout Mount Fairy, Tarago, Goulburn and Crookwell.

While landholders are often concerned about the implications of finding endangered species on their land, Ms Murphy emphasised that conservation efforts for the orchid were simple. Often a small fence or cage is the only protection for the orchid, which often owe their livelihood to existing land management practises on a property.

Exact reasons for the declining orchid numbers are unclear, however the species was hit hard by the millennium drought.

However, it may first begin to struggle hundreds of years ago, from land clearing and grazing practises that came with European occupation. 

While the orchids to play a role in the complex workings of the ecosystem, ultimately their loss would not be a loss to science, or a to the forest, but a loss to future generations.

“Really we’re trying to protect it in its own right,”Ms Murphy said.

“We’re trying to protect it for future generations to admire and appreciate.”